In this report
Overview
Rise in beef contamination
March 2008
send to a friend printable version
recalls
& safety alerts


 
VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT


AutoZone booster cables
Booster cable clamps were assembled incorrectly, resulting in reverse polarity. This poses a risk of electrical shock and an explosion hazard.
Products:140,000 AutoZone Parts booster cables sold at AutoZone stores and Web site from 6/07 through 10/07 for between $12 and $20. Cables are orange Valucraft 8-gauge and 10-gauge boosters with "8GA" or "10GA" printed on them. There have been four incidents that caused minor property damage.
What to do: Do not use the cables. Return them to any AutoZone store for a full refund or free replacement. For more information call AutoZone at 800-230-9786 or go to www.autozone.com.


 
OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT


American Honda lawn mowers
Cutting blades could rotate under power when control lever is released. Spinning blade poses serious risk of laceration. Mowers do not comply with mandatory federal safety standards. No injuries have been reported.
Products: 167,000 American Honda Motor Corp. walk-behind lawn mowers sold at Honda Lawn and Garden dealers and Home Depot stores from 1/03 through 11/07 for between $760 and $900.
What to do: Stop using the mower. Contact a Honda Lawn and Garden dealer for free repair. For recalled model and serial numbers, call 800-426-7701 or go to www.hondapowerequipment.com.


 
HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS


DeWalt cordless drills
Trigger switch can overheat and pose risk of fire.
Products: 346,000 DeWalt cordless drills sold at wholesale distributors and retailers from 6/06 through 12/07 for between $180 and $280. The company has had 11 reports of the drills overheating.
What to do: Stop using the drill immediately. Call DeWalt at 888-742-9168 or go to www.dewalt.com for a list of all recalled model numbers and date codes, and to find the nearest service center to get a free inspection and, if necessary, free repair.

Starbucks coffee mugs
Plastic handle can detach from body of mug when filled with hot liquids, posing risk of burns.
Products: 167,000 Starbucks Fusion coffee mugs with "Starbucks Coffee" stamp sold at Starbucks from 2/07 through 11/07 for about $11. Mugs are white and have black plastic handle and stainless-steel base. There have been 23 reports of handles detaching, including 9 that led to minor burns.
What to do: Stop using the mug and go to www.starbucks.com or call 800-624-8678 for instructions on returning the cup for a full refund. Starbucks is offering a free beverage as incentive to return the recalled mugs.


 
CHILDREN'S PRODUCTS


First Years reclining feeding seats
Restraining straps can pull out of the waist strap slots and young children could fall out.
Products: 100,000 First Years Newborn-to-Toddler reclining feeding seats sold at retailers from 11/06 through 10/07 for about $30. Seat includes a tray, reversible cushion, and three-point safety belt. The manufacturer, RC2, has had 38 reports of straps pulling out or nearly pulling out of waist strap slots, including 12 reports of children falling out.
What to do: Stop using the seat and call RC2 at 866-725-4407 or go to www.recalls.rc2.com to get free replacement straps.